ISLAMABAD, May 27: President General Pervez Musharraf has renewed his firm commitment to the freedom of the press and declared that the government would facilitate access to information.

In response to media-related points raised by APNS President Mir Shakilur Rehman at the 18th awards ceremony of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) on Friday night (partly reported in Saturday’s Dawn), the president directed expeditious progress vis-a-vis formation of the Press Council.

Earlier, APNS President Mir Shakilur Rehman, in his welcome address, appreciated President Musharraf’s commitment to freedom of the press and opening up of the electronic media.

He praised the introduction of the Freedom of Information Ordinance, the formation of the Press Council and permission for cross-media ownership.

However, he urged the government to facilitate greater access to information. He also informed the president about problems faced by the newspaper industry and sought his help in resolving these.—APP